Page 39 of Naughty Nelle

Libby: “Okay, listen up. How would you feel if Kurt and Mel got together?”

“You mean, like fell in love with each other?” asks one of the respondents.

Libby nods. “Yes.”

The women once again break out into orgasmic shrieks. They talk over each other, but I understand every word.

“Oh my God! That would be amazing!”

“I would love that!”

“How ’bout like yesterday!”

“I’m dying for them to kiss!”

“That would be so hot! Mel deserves happiness. So does Kurt.”

“Why can’t it be me?”

After a few more similar responses, Libby wraps up the group. She thanks the helpful participants and then hands out envelopes with their compensation. While the envelopes get passed around the table, she reaches beneath it and retrieves a large box. She stands up and sets it in the middle.

“I have one more thing for you…Kurt Kussler sweatshirts.”

The women shriek yet again and go at the box of sweatshirts like vultures. Thanking Libby, virtually every one of them slips their sweatshirt on before departing.

Two minutes later, a beaming Libby steps into the observation room.

“Great job, Libby,” Blake commends.

The show execs second the motion.

Her smile widens. “Thanks. I think you got the answer you were looking for.” Her eyes zero in on me. “Brandon, viewers love your idea.”

My ears perk up as she continues.

“Of having Kurt finally realize he’s in love with his assistant Mel.”

So, that was my story idea. I wonder what inspired it. Before I can utter a word, Executive Producer Doug opens his mouth.

“So, Brandon, are you still up for writing the season finale? You said you wanted to.”

I did?I gulp. “Yeah, sure. It’s my idea.”

Blake smiles broadly. “That’s great. We’re going to run it as a two-hour special and promote the shit out of it.”

Christ. What have I gotten myself into? I don’t think I’ve ever written one word of a script. How am I going to do this?

Doug picks up on my anxiety. “Brandon, don’t stress out. We’re all going to work with you.” He turns to Mitch. “Mitch and his team will be there every step of the way.”

Mitch gives me a thumbs up. Maybe I should ask him to write the script, and I’ll dot a few i’s and cross a few t’s.

Trevor, the network executive, looks up from his cell phone. “I already texted the Publicity Department.” He smiles triumphantly. “They’re on it. Your writing debut will be headline news in tomorrow’s trades.”

“Great,” says Blake.

Not great.I’m doomed. There’s no backing out. I call on my acting skills and bullshit a couple of ideas I have for the episode.

“I’m going to end the episode with a passionate kiss between Kurt and Mel.” I pause searching my mind for more. Bingo! “And one of them will have their life in jeopardy.”

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